Cole, a right-hander, has been suffering from right lat soreness which has kept him out of action for nearly two months. He was originally placed on the DL July 9, retroactive to July 5. It was his second stint on the shelf long term, having been sidelined for 3 1/2 weeks earlier this season due to a fatigued shoulder.

Cole has put together a 7-4 record with a 3.78 earned run average in 14 starts this season. In 85 2/3 innings, he has allowed 83 hits and walked 29 while striking out 78.

The Pirates optioned infielder Brent Morel to Indianapolis to make room on the 25-man roster. Morel failed to record a hit in five plate appearances over a three-game call-up from Aug. 17-19.